VIENNA: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has issued a warning of a potential response should the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors approve an anti-Iran resolution proposed by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany. Araqchi emphasized that these nations would be accountable for any ensuing repercussions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araqchi communicated these remarks during a phone call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, following the IAEA Board’s quarterly meeting in Vienna. The meeting included discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, with the U.S. and the three European countries, collectively known as the E3, presenting a resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance.

Araqchi criticized the proposed resolution as a misguided measure by the U.S. and E3 amid indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He cautioned the Board of Governors against adopting the resolution, asserting that any adverse decision against Iran would prompt an appropriate response. Araqchi stated that those who politicize the agency and use it as a tool would bear responsibility for the outcomes.

He reiterated Iran’s commitment to protecting its legal rights to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment, and emphasized Iran’s stance against the use of nuclear weapons, as rooted in Islamic teachings.

Araqchi highlighted Japan’s moderate foreign policy stance and expressed optimism that Japan and other Board members would support dialogue and cooperation. Foreign Minister Iwaya welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and reaffirmed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy use.